COH-MentalHealthBook

MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION INTERVENTIONS FOR YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS:
PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR FRONT-LINE PROVIDERS
Consider different types of peer positions. Organizations should consider different levels
of peer work to incorporate individuals with different skill and commitment levels. This
also allows for upward mobility and a scaffolding of responsibilities and skills.
Offer a seat at the table. Organizations should provide ongoing opportunities for peer
workers to be involved in program design and to provide meaningful input on the direction
and structure of programming.
Promote autonomy and opportunities for leadership. The peer role should be structured to
provide autonomy and opportunities for leadership, and to allow peers to shape how their
role is carried out and defined. A peer position is meant to honour and recognize the value
of lived experience; micro-management and lack of autonomy work against this value.
Promote self-care. Self-care plans are a good way to support peers in their role. These
plans allow peer workers to identify their needs and develop strategies (with support of
their supervisor) that help them care for their own needs and stay well.
Adequate training is a key aspect of supporting peer workers and ensuring their successful
integration into an organization and its programming. This training should be structured
to provide maximum benefit to youth peer workers, and the tone of delivery should value
and respect the peer worker. One way to provide maximum benefit is to arrange for peer
workers to access formalized and credentialed training outside the organization that will
assist with future opportunities. Suggested training topics include:
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Role overview and orientation to the organization;
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Anti-oppression;
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Mental health, including the social determinants of mental health;
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Details of the specific program the peer worker is part of and program-specific
training (e.g., community arts, advocacy, counselling);
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Building rapport;
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Maintaining boundaries and establishing rules for contact and use of social media;
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Privacy and confidentiality;
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Providing positive reinforcement and constructive criticism; and
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Planning for the end of the client’s time in the program.
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